What are the definitions of “come down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Rain.
Just look at the rain COMING DOWN! I'm not going out in that.
- 2Travel.
When you're next in London, COME DOWN and see us.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “come down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb come down is to move from a higher place to a lower place. It can also mean to travel from one place to another, usually from a higher location to a lower one.
What are the different verb forms of “come down”?
| Root Verb | come down |
| Third Person Singular Present | comes down |
| Present Participle | coming down |
| Simple Past | came down |
| Past Participle | come down |
Example
The rain started to come down heavily.
Example
When the snow comes down, the roads become slippery.
Example
The leaves are coming down from the trees in the fall.
Example
The prices came down after the holiday season.
Example
The old building has come down to make way for a new one.
What kind of phrasal verb is “come down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“come down” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The rain came down heavily.
Example
The temperature came down quickly at night.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“come down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The rain came down heavily.
Example
The temperature came down quickly at night.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “come down”?
Good things to know
Does “come down” have an informal or formal tone?
Come down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context.
